B cell
noun
: any of the lymphocytes that have antigen-binding antibody molecules on the surface, that comprise the antibody-secreting plasma cells when mature, and that in mammals differentiate in the bone marrow : b lymphocyte
The glycoproteins produced by B cells, called antibodies or immunoglobulins, recognize and bind free antigens and are responsible for humoral immunity …—
Haruo Saito et al.
Haruo Saito et al.… helper T cells that induce the proliferation of the antibody-producing B cells.—N. A. Mitchison
N. A. Mitchison… patients have no mature B cells circulating in the bloodstream and no antibodies to fight off infections.—Jean Marx
compare t cell
Jean MarxExamples of B cell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But in nurse sharks, researchers found that the pancreas contains structured clusters of immune cells called B cell follicles.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Scientists have also found that female bodies have more robust B cell activity — the action of white blood cells that adapt to fight off viruses or bacteria.
—Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Normally, B cells are your body’s factories for antibodies.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
These B cells produce antibodies that can recognize a pathogen the body has previously been exposed to, and that gives you a better chance of fighting off dangerous viruses.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for B cell
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Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Scientists have also found that female bodies have more robust B cell activity — the action of white blood cells that adapt to fight off viruses or bacteria.
—Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 7 July 2025
Normally, B cells are your body’s factories for antibodies.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
These B cells produce antibodies that can recognize a pathogen the body has previously been exposed to, and that gives you a better chance of fighting off dangerous viruses.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 24 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for B cell
Cite this Entry
“B cell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/B%20cell. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
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